In the complex and often sensitive world of employment law, few names carry as much weight in the United Kingdom as Hayley Robinson. A Partner at Macfarlanes LLP and the head of its Employment Group, Robinson has built a reputation as one of the most insightful, pragmatic, and trusted figures in her field. Her practice spans both contentious and advisory matters, with a client base ranging from multinational corporations to professional partnerships and high-profile executives.
Early Career and Path to Partnership
Hayley Robinson qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2001. Unlike many who move firms during their careers, she has spent her entire professional journey at Macfarlanes LLP, one of London’s most respected law firms. This consistency is significant, as it demonstrates both loyalty and deep integration into the culture of the firm.
By 2011, just a decade after qualification, Robinson had become a Partner. This rapid ascent illustrates her exceptional ability, not only in handling legal matters but also in developing the leadership skills necessary to guide clients and colleagues alike.
Specialisation in Employment Law
Employment law is a field that touches on some of the most delicate issues in business: disputes between employers and employees, workplace restructuring, executive departures, and sensitive allegations such as whistleblowing or harassment. Robinson has chosen to dedicate her career to this area, and she now leads Macfarlanes’ entire Employment Group.
Her expertise covers:
- Contentious Matters: She represents employers in Employment Tribunal cases, restrictive covenant disputes, discrimination claims, and executive exits.
- Advisory Work: She provides strategic guidance on day-to-day HR issues, cross-border employment considerations, partnership and LLP matters, and the employment aspects of corporate transactions.
- High-Profile Issues: She is often called upon to deal with sensitive cases involving allegations of misconduct, whistleblowing, or complex redundancy processes.
By balancing both contentious and non-contentious work, Robinson ensures that clients see her not just as a litigator, but as a trusted adviser who can prevent disputes before they escalate.
Leadership at Macfarlanes LLP
As head of the Employment Group, Robinson leads a team of lawyers who advise some of the most prominent businesses in the UK and beyond. Her role is not only to provide legal expertise but also to shape the strategy of the group, mentor junior lawyers, and maintain the firm’s position as a leader in the employment law sector.
Macfarlanes is widely recognised for its corporate and private client work, and Robinson’s leadership has ensured that the employment team maintains the same reputation for excellence. Her ability to integrate employment advice into wider corporate transactions is particularly valuable for clients in sectors such as finance, media, and hospitality.
Recognition in Legal Directories
Robinson’s skill and reputation have been consistently recognised by leading legal directories.
- Chambers UK ranks her among the top lawyers in employment law, highlighting her pragmatic, commercial, and collaborative approach.
- The Legal 500 regularly praises her judgment, responsiveness, and ability to cut through complexity to deliver clear, actionable advice.
These endorsements matter in the legal world, where client feedback and peer recognition are critical indicators of quality. For clients, knowing that Robinson is ranked by such directories provides reassurance that they are working with one of the UK’s best employment lawyers.
Approach to Clients
What sets Robinson apart is not only her technical expertise but also her manner with clients. She is often described as commercial, pragmatic, and approachable. These qualities are vital in employment law, where emotions can run high and decisions often affect people’s livelihoods and reputations.
Her ability to combine legal precision with empathy has made her a trusted adviser to boards, HR directors, and general counsel. Clients know that she can handle sensitive matters discreetly while keeping business objectives firmly in sight.
Key Case Experience
Robinson’s portfolio of work includes:
- Advising on a high-value claim involving allegations of constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.
- Handling grievances that involved both whistleblowing and harassment concerns.
- Guiding multinational companies through cross-border TUPE transfers.
- Advising on executive departures in private equity firms, including matters involving carried interest.
- Managing complex redundancy and restructuring projects.
Each of these examples shows her ability to deal with both the technical and human aspects of employment law.
Thought Leadership
Beyond client work, Robinson contributes to the wider conversation on employment law. She is often invited to speak at seminars, contribute to thought pieces, and provide insight into emerging trends such as diversity in the workplace, hybrid working models, and the evolving legal framework around whistleblowing and equality.
Her voice is influential because it reflects real-world experience gained from handling some of the most complex cases in the UK.
Influence in the Financial and Corporate Sectors
A notable part of Robinson’s practice is her strong focus on financial services and corporate clients. The employment issues in these sectors can be particularly challenging, involving high-value remuneration packages, cross-border employment contracts, and regulatory considerations.
Her work with professional partnerships and LLPs further distinguishes her practice. These entities have unique governance and employment issues, and Robinson is regarded as one of the few lawyers in London with deep expertise in this niche area.
Why Hayley Robinson Stands Out
In a competitive legal market, several qualities explain Robinson’s standout reputation:
- Consistency of Career: A continuous career at Macfarlanes, showing dedication and commitment.
- Dual Strength: Expertise in both litigation and advisory matters, making her a holistic employment lawyer.
- Client Focus: A pragmatic, commercial approach that resonates with business leaders.
- Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of financial services, media, and partnerships.
- Recognition: Regularly acknowledged by Chambers UK and The Legal 500 as a leader in her field.
Future Outlook
As employment law continues to evolve—shaped by hybrid working, technology, diversity issues, and globalisation—lawyers like Robinson will play an increasingly critical role. Employers need guidance not only on the law as it stands today but also on how to prepare for the future.
Robinson’s blend of experience, foresight, and client-focused pragmatism positions her perfectly to lead in this changing landscape. Whether advising on artificial intelligence in recruitment, navigating cross-border employment disputes, or guiding clients through regulatory changes, she will remain at the forefront.
Conclusion
Hayley Robinson has established herself as one of the most respected and influential employment lawyers in the UK. From her early career at Macfarlanes to her leadership of the Employment Group, she has consistently demonstrated legal excellence, commercial acumen, and empathy for clients. Recognised by major legal directories and trusted by some of the UK’s leading businesses, she is more than just a lawyer—she is a thought leader shaping the future of employment law.
With her proven ability to balance technical detail with strategic insight, Robinson will continue to guide clients through the complexities of workplace law, ensuring fairness, compliance, and clarity in an ever-changing world of work.
